CHANGING COURSE
GQ South Africa|February - March 2023
US Rapper and singer Vic Mensa is making music true to his experiences, on a mission to bridge the gap between the people of Africa and America. He says the best love stories are about our relationship with ourselves
Shannon Manuel
CHANGING COURSE

IT'S BEEN A BUSY YEAR AND A HALF FOR VIC MENSA, WHICH INCLUDED A NEW BUSINESS VENTURE, making his mark in the art world, releasing new music, and headlining a first-of-its-kind music and cultural festival on the African continent with fellow Chicago-based artist Chance the Rapper. And there's more to come.

Since he first came to fame a decade ago, Mensa's forged a path of notable success. For those needing a refresher, he established himself as a member of hip-hop collaborative SAVEMONEY, hiphop ensemble Kids These Days in 2009, and a solo rap artist before breaking through to mainstream audiences. He debuted as a solo artist in 2013 on Chance the Rapper's high-profile mixtape Acid Rap and released his first song 'Down on My Luck' in June 2014. His upbeat lyrical style drew on elements of '90s hip-hop's positive side and rock and pop music.

Roc Nation signed Mensa and released his debut album, The Autobiography, in 2017. Over the next several years, he released a slew of EPs, collaborations, and singles, including working with 93PUNX in 2019 and I Tape in 2021.

Aside from his rapping abilities and melodic melodies, Mensa is the creator of the Save Money Save Life organisation, which fights racism in the US and finances three health and arts projects in Chicago.

As an activist, he's spoken out on numerous important issues, including gun violence, mental health, LGBTQI advocacy in hip-hop and the persecution of Black people. It's safe to say that there's more than meets the eye when it comes to Mensa.

CHANGING THE NARRATIVE

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der February - March 2023-Ausgabe von GQ South Africa.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der February - March 2023-Ausgabe von GQ South Africa.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS GQ SOUTH AFRICAAlle anzeigen
CREATIVE MINDS BEHIND THE CAMERA
GQ South Africa

CREATIVE MINDS BEHIND THE CAMERA

A creative director, a filmmaker and a video director - three Ghanaian visionaries share their unique approach to fashion and visual storytelling

time-read
10+ Minuten  |
November 2024
Body Odours You Shouldn't Ignore
GQ South Africa

Body Odours You Shouldn't Ignore

A little whiff of sweat or muskiness may not be cause for concern, but some smells can signal a health concern that are worth taking a bit more seriously

time-read
3 Minuten  |
November 2024
THE MOST CONSISTENT IN THE GAME
GQ South Africa

THE MOST CONSISTENT IN THE GAME

K.O's greatest strength is his adaptability in the evolving music industry while staying true to his roots. From his days as a member of Teargas to solo hits like \"Caracara\" and \"Sete,\" he proves that he is always one step ahead

time-read
10+ Minuten  |
November 2024
POWER & PASSION
GQ South Africa

POWER & PASSION

Off the field and comfortable with SA rugby's MVPs, Eben Etzebeth and Cheslin Kolbe

time-read
10+ Minuten  |
November 2024
GUNNING FOR GLORY!
GQ South Africa

GUNNING FOR GLORY!

BURNING UP THE GLOBAL STAGE, BLXCKIE HAS A THING OR TWO TO SHOW US ABOUT SUCCESS

time-read
10+ Minuten  |
November 2024
Final Edition
GQ South Africa

Final Edition

From 2025, Jaguar will go fully electric. To say farewell to their internal combustion felines, our motoring editor Dieter Losskarn joined the megabrand in taking their latest F-Type sportscar on one last lap

time-read
2 Minuten  |
November 2024
WRITING THEIR NEXT CHAPTERS OF SUCCESS TOGETHER
GQ South Africa

WRITING THEIR NEXT CHAPTERS OF SUCCESS TOGETHER

The collaboration between Bisquit and Dubouché and Kwesta is kicking into gear with an initiative to drive a new wave of pioneering spirits

time-read
2 Minuten  |
November 2024
Exceeding all the Hype
GQ South Africa

Exceeding all the Hype

Group managing director at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa, Michael Kewley injected charm and artistry into the space, elevating its status of luxury

time-read
7 Minuten  |
November 2024
Grand Cruiser
GQ South Africa

Grand Cruiser

Our motoring editor Dieter Losskarn was pleasantly surprised by how much he liked the new Prado. In fact, it is one of the best SUV/4x4 vehicles he's driven in a long time. Here's why...

time-read
2 Minuten  |
November 2024
Why Does Everyone Have Big, Fake White Teeth Now?
GQ South Africa

Why Does Everyone Have Big, Fake White Teeth Now?

Veneers were once a dirty secret. Now, they're a luxury status symbol and the famous and wealthy are flocking to Hollywood's favorite dentist in search of even more perfect smiles

time-read
10+ Minuten  |
November 2024